25 Runners, One Sunny Sunday: Our London 10K for Winter

25 Runners, One Sunny Sunday: Our London 10K for Winter

On Sunday 11 October 2026, 25 Coptic City Mission volunteers laced up and ran the ASICS London 10K to kick off our winter fundraising drive. It was a cold morning in Wembley, but as you can see from the photos, the sun came out for us by the time we finished our race. Thanks to our amazing donors and sponsors, we have already raised over £3,000, almost a third of the way to our £10,000 target. Thank you!

Why we ran

Since 2000, Coptic City Mission has served those who are rough sleeping and homeless in London. Every week our volunteers bring hot food and drinks, clothing, sleeping bags and, just as importantly, friendship and fellowship to our friends at the Strand on Sundays, Manor Park on Mondays and Victoria on Tuesdays. Winter is when the need is greatest. Every pound raised will go towards food, clothes, sleeping bags and tents for the communities we serve throughout 2027. It also supports our annual Christmas event at St Saviour's Church in Pimlico, where we hand out donations and gift bags from our partners and gather all our friends and supporters from the year under one roof.

Last year, our 25th anniversary, you helped us smash our previous fundraising targets by raising £10,000. This year, with your help, we want to do it again.

Thank you to our runners

A huge thank you to our 25 runners, who gave up their time and energy, trained during the week, promoted the fundraiser to everyone they knew, and still showed up bright and early on a Sunday. You made us proud.

More than a run

This was a wonderful chance for young people from churches in London to come together and show God's love to the world in a practical way. Better still, our runners brought along new friends and colleagues from their universities, neighbourhoods and friendship circles beyond the church. Serving together connects us with generous, like-minded people of every background, and everyone is welcome to come and serve.

Food for thought

• Mark 12:42-44: The Widow’s Offering: But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

How you can help

Our fundraiser is open until Christmas, and there are three easy ways to get involved:

• Donate: every gift, large or small, helps keep someone warm and fed this winter. Give on our GoFundMe page:https://www.gofundme.com/f/coptic-city-mission-winter-2027

• Spread the word: share this post and our fundraising link with your friends, family, church, workplace or university. Fancy hosting a bake sale or your own run? Drop us a line!

• Volunteer with us: join us at one of our weekly services. No experience needed, just a warm heart. Get in touch here or message us on WhatsApp or Instagram.

Thank you for walking (and running) alongside us. Come and serve!

Coptic City Mission